BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Model report · 2005–2025

DIRECT BIKES DB50QT-16

49cc Petrol Class 1
55.3%
first-time pass rate
36.0%
failed outright
4,814
median miles at test
114
MOT tests, 2005–2025
-19.8pp
vs expected · age & mileage

The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.

“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.

Pass rate over time

first-time pass rate by test year · 2013–2014

The DB50QT-16's first-time pass rate has risen 9.4 points since 2013, 50.0% to 59.4%.

48%55%62%2013: 50.0% pass (34 tests)2014: 59.4% pass (32 tests)20132014

What fails on a DB50QT-16

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lighting and signalling
45 44.6
brakes
25 24.8
tyres and wheels
14 13.9
steering and suspension
9 8.9
body and structure
2 2
structure and attachments
2 2
fuel and exhaust
1 1
driving controls
1 1
suspension
1 1
reg plates and vin
1 1

Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.

How rivals compare

same type, similar capacity, high test volume

On first-time pass rate the DB50QT-16 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (PEUGEOT SPEEDFIGHT, PIAGGIO ZIP, PIAGGIO NRG).

Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the DB50QT-16.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the DB50QT-16

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2010 (54.2% pass). Weakest: 2010 (54.2%).

First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.

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